HB 931 introduces a state-wide school chaplain program that allows schools to extend an invitation to religious affiliates to offer counseling and other support services to students who express a desire for it and have obtained written consent from their parents.
According to DeSantis, there are certain students who require a touch of soul crafting, as it can have a profound impact on their lives.
HB 1317 allows school districts to partner with various “patriotic organizations” like Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, The Boy Scouts of America, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and others.
Members of the Satanic Temple are actively preparing to push the boundaries of the school chaplain bill by introducing their own representatives into public schools.
Lucien Greaves, co-founder of The Satanic Temple, expressed that despite Governor DeSantis’ disregard for religious freedom, our Constitution ensures equal treatment for all individuals. Greaves emphasized that DeSantis does not have the authority to unilaterally modify the Constitution at his discretion. In fact, by his actions, DeSantis inadvertently opened the door for Satanic chaplains to be present in public schools, regardless of his personal preferences.
During a press conference on Thursday, he dismissed concerns about the inclusion of Satanists in school chaplain programs, stating, “We’re not playing those games in Florida. That is not a religion. That is not qualifying to be able to participate in this.”
On the contrary, Sen. Erin Grall, R-Fort Pierce, who is the sponsor of the bill, holds a different viewpoint.
Before the bill passed, she expressed her concern about the constitutional problems that arise when we try to define what qualifies as religion and who can be included on a list.
The decision to implement a chaplain program in schools lies with the school districts themselves. It is up to them to determine whether or not they want to have such a program. If a school district chooses to have a chaplain program, they would be required to provide a list of all the volunteers involved, along with their respective religious affiliations, as stated by DeSantis.
According to DeSantis, any individual interested in becoming a volunteer chaplain will be required to undergo a background check.
Some Democrats in the state expressed concerns about the participation of far-right Christian nationalist groups in the program.
Some critics have raised concerns about the qualifications of individuals who would be interacting with minors.
The law will take effect on July 1.
